UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN ARTS BUILDING RECLADDING STUDY

Location: Saskatoon, SK
Project budget: Completion: Jun 2012

In October of 2011, Group2 was engaged to develop the concept design for the existing Arts Complex at the University of Saskatchewan. The aim of this study was to examine the implications of an upgrade to the exterior envelope of the Arts Complex. The scope of the study includes 4 buildings: the Arts Tower, the Theatre Wing, the 1950s Classroom Wing and the 1970 addition referred to as the “New Wing”.

The goal of the conceptual re-cladding design was to develop a strategy to increase the thermal performance of the building, as well as modernize the outer appearance of the buildings to reflect the current collaborative and social approach to teaching and learning. Modernist elements were retained or reworked to obtain a contemporary envelope that evokes the defining principles of the modernist era. The proposed cladding systems will improve the energy performance of the envelope and provide an opportunity to update the aesthetics of the arts tower. The reuse of fieldstone and Tyndall cladding will maintain the integration of the Arts Complex with other campus buildings. The landscaped courtyards that surround the Complex have also been reviewed as part of this study. The existing courtyard areas will be retained and modified to make the spaces into comfortable friendly outdoor meeting areas.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & WELLNESS (PAW) CENTRE, U OF A

The University of Alberta’s new Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW) Centre encourages healthy lifestyle choices by offering a variety of activities related to the overall concept of wellness. Comp...[ CONTINUE READING ]

The University of Alberta’s new Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW) Centre encourages healthy lifestyle choices by offering a variety of activities related to the overall concept of wellness. Components include a student fitness centre, sports-related research and lab facilities, a variety of student service spaces, as well as a new home for the Steadward Centre, a high-caliber research and program delivery centre for people with disabilities. Located on a prominent corner of campus, the PAW Centre will act as a gateway building to create a showpiece for the university, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to physical activity and wellness. In addition to the new building, existing buildings will be renovated to accommodate new program space. The buildings will be connected by an atrium space that functions as a ‘social street’, incorporating student service spaces and a climbing wall to activate and energize a pedestrian thoroughfare. [ CLOSE ]

MEADOWS COMMUNITY REC CENTRE AND LIBRARY

Location: EdmontonProject budget: $119,000,000 Completion: Oct 2013

The Meadows is a new community hub in South East Edmonton. It combines a recreation centre with a public library under one roof, and is surrounded by a district park. The rec centre portion includes a...[ CONTINUE READING ]

The Meadows is a new community hub in South East Edmonton. It combines a recreation centre with a public library under one roof, and is surrounded by a district park. The rec centre portion includes an aquatics centre, fitness centre, gymnasium, arena (2 rinks) and multipurpose rooms. [ CLOSE ]